This COVID Life

The final episode of This COVID Life kicks off with Lakshmi explaining the different types of COVID-19 immunity tests — what the results of antibody tests can tell us and what they do not. Jacci and Lakshmi take stock of what's next: What does life look like after COVID-19? Is there such a thing? 

Lakshmi and Jacci discuss the wide range of emotions that arise while living in a pandemic. The episode kicks off with Lakshmi sharing the experience of a patient whose condition was dramatically affected by coronavirus -- but not in the way you might expect. The co-hosts explore their emotional responses to the pandemic and share the stories of close friends who have had complicated experiences with fertility, adoption, dating, and relationships. 

Speaking from Atlanta as the state of Georgia reopens its economy, the episode opens with Lakshmi talking about how her health system is preparing for an uptick in COVID-19 cases.  The focus shifts to the relationship between COVID-19 and heart health. The interplay between high blood pressure and COVID-19 is discussed. The conversation circles to a fascinating topic -- How the pandemic has affected one of the scarcest resources in the American healthcare system: organ transplants. 

This episode explores leadership during the coronavirus pandemic. Lakshmi describes her health system's preparedness approach, which includes the appointment of "designated survivors."  Leadership at the local, national, and global level are discussed, and Lakshmi and Jacci trade ideas on the role of media in fueling or fighting the spread of COVID-19. The discussion meanders to a happy topic for females everywhere: Chris Cuomo. 

In this episode, the co-hosts discuss the changing economic landscape resulting from efforts to stop the spread of coronavirus. Lakshmi opens with the story of a patient who has to make difficult choices due to economic challenges. Jaclyn shares how the pandemic is affecting the broader podcast industry and specifically her business.